Jordanian-led job syndicate busted

Cell-bound Suspects Khalil Tarrish, Conchita Paculba and Myrla Olor during their presentation at the National Bureau of Investigation. YUMMIE DINGDING

National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) operatives presented yesterday a Jordanian national and his live-in partner accused of large-scale illegal recruitment.

NBI Director Dante Gierran identified the suspects Khalil Tarrish and Myrla Olor, who allegedly duped a number of job applicants by promising them non-existent jobs abroad.

The complainants were already at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 when they were informed by an airline company that their plane tickets and other travel documents were fake.

By happenstance, the two suspects were also at NAIA Terminal 3 where they were arrested while awaiting their own flight to Davao. The complainants sought the help of the airport police to have Tarrish and Olor arrested.

The NAIA Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking in Persons led the apprehension of the two suspects.

A third suspect, Conchita Paculba, who referred the complainants to the recruiters, was also arrested by the NBI in an entrapment operation. Two more alleged suspects, Virginia Adling and Mel Madera, remain at large.

The complainants were promised jobs in Dubai, United Arab Emirates as cleaners, waitresses, delivery boys, janitors and drivers. Olor demanded from them placement and processing fees ranging from P25,000 to P32,000.

Tarrish has a standing warrant of arrest issued by RTC Branch 25 in Biñan City, Laguna for estafa. The same warrant of arrest was served by the NBI agents against the foreign national.

The suspects were charged for violation of RA 8042 and violation of Article 315 par (2) of the Revised Penal Code.